- Distance from Ooty
- About 20 km
- Best time
- July to September
- Activities
- Boating, walking, photography
- Ideal time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
The falls
The Pykara river drops in stages over rocky ledges rather than in one tall plunge, so you can follow the water down from several viewpoints. Tamil Nadu Tourism has laid out paths and viewing platforms that keep visitors on safe ground. The walk in is short, and battery cars are sometimes available for those who prefer not to walk.
The river also feeds one of the oldest hydroelectric schemes in the region, which is why you will see a dam and power installations nearby. Rocks near the water stay wet and slippery, so keep to the marked paths and watch children closely, especially after rain.
Pykara Lake and boat house
A short drive from the falls, the Pykara boat house on the lake offers rowing boats and faster motor boats. The water is calm and ringed by forested hills, making it a pleasant stop for photographs and a quiet cup of tea. Life jackets are provided, and queues are shorter on weekday mornings.
Best time to visit
July to September, during and just after the monsoon, is when the falls are at their fullest. The rest of the year the flow is gentler but the setting is still lovely, and boating runs through most months. Mornings are cooler and less crowded, and a light jacket is useful at any time of year.
How to reach
Pykara lies about 20 km from Ooty, and taxis or local buses cover the route. It fits well into a day that includes the Pine Forest and Shooting Point along the same road. We can arrange an Ooty sightseeing car that covers Pykara, or a Mudumalai and Masinagudi excursion that passes by.
Also nearby
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.
